Who doesn’t love a good brooch? Are you nodding your head yet? Truth be told, the brooch wafts in and out of fashion every few years, but this season it’s an official must-have, along with sister accessory, the silk scarf (I couldn’t be happier). Let’s take a look at these versatile accessories, worn separately or, better yet, together. Brooches and scarves will be huge for fall!

Put a Pin in It

L to R: Giorgio Armani Privé, F/W18-19; Assael Gem Sardinian Coral and Diamond Leaf Brooch

“The reemergence of the brooch should come as no surprise in a season of ’80s nostalgia,” reports Vogue.com this month. The editors love the “more dramatic ones like the mineral slabs at Toga and Roksanda, or the kilt-like pins at Pringle and Alexander McQueen.” But let’s face it, not everyone can pull off a mineral slab (I don’t even like saying mineral slab). When it comes to brooches, I prefer something more literal…like a chunky animal motif pin, a timeless bow, or Assael’s fabulous Sardinian Coral Drop with Diamond Leaves (did I mention it doubles as a pendant?).

How and Where

Clockwise from Upper Left: Oscar de la Renta, F/W18-19; Thomas Rath Collection; The Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle; Assael Tahitian Pearl Brooch; Assael Tahitian Pearl Fanfare Brooch; Actor Kristen Stewart in Chanel .

According to Assael V.P. of Development, Peggy Grosz, “It’s HOW and WHERE you wear a brooch that counts.” They can be “more distinctive than any other piece of jewelry if bold and placed well,” she told me recently. Wear a brooch to close your coat like they do at Oscar de la Renta, or to anchor a luxe cashmere wrap around your suit. Try one pinned to a beret, Chanel style, fastened at your waistband, high on one shoulder, or even on your handbag.

Tie One On

L to R: Jorge Vazquez, F/W18-19; Assael Tahitian Pearl and Aquamarine Earrings; Gucci Cruise, 2018; Assael Tahitian Pearl and Morganite Earrings; Valentino, Cruise 2018.

Vying for attention with the brooch this season is the silk scarf, and all manner of scarf-print fabrics. Not only are young fashionistas adding new scarves to their wardrobes, they’re going for classic retro styles. Blame it largely on the Valentino Resort collection, shipping soon for Winter 2018-19. The Valentino runway was scattered with scarves of every stripe and pattern. I plan to wear mine tied around my waist, on my top-handle bag, and backwards on my head à la ‘70s style icon Ali MacGraw in “Love Story.” Swoon.